By. Ashoka Peiris
The Sri Lankan government has issued an extraordinary gazette reaffirming the continued ban on 15 organizations, including the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), due to their alleged involvement in terrorism and related financial activities.
The government has emphasized its ongoing efforts, both domestically and internationally, to counter activities from banned organizations that continue to undermine the stability and security of the nation. These groups are believed to be involved in operations that threaten the country’s existence and sovereignty.
Historical context reveals that previous administrations have been criticized for enabling Sinhala and Muslim extremist groups, which contributed to fostering division among the country’s diverse communities. It is claimed that past leaderships prioritized political gains at the expense of national unity and the well-being of the people.
In contrast, the current National People’s Power (NPP), led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has been assertively addressing national security concerns. Under their guidance, the government has been making formal strides in tackling terrorism and maintaining security across the island.
A recent gazette issued by the government, signed by Defense Secretary Sampath Thuiyakontha, underscores the importance of maintaining the country’s national security. The report highlights the decision to continue banning organizations that are believed to pose a significant threat to Sri Lanka’s security.
Additionally, the government has moved to freeze the financial and economic assets of these organizations to further disrupt their operations. Along with the extended ban, the government has reaffirmed its list of 222 individuals associated with terrorism, strengthening its counter-terrorism measures.
The following organizations remain under a continued ban:
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
- Tamil Rehabilitation Organization (TRO)
- Tamil Coordinating Committee (TCC)
- World Tamil Movement (WTM)
- Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE)
- World Tamil Relief Fund (WTRF)
- Headquarters Group (HQ Group)
- National Thowheed Jama’ath (NTJ)
- Jama’ate Millathe Ibrahim (JMI)
- Wilayah As Seylani (WAS)
- National Council of Canadian Tamils (NCCT)
- Tamil Youth Organization (TYO)
- Darul Ath’thabawiyya
- Sri Lanka Islamic Student Movement (SLISM)
- Save the Pearls
This continued designation is part of the government’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, aimed at preventing extremist activities and dismantling the financial networks that sustain terrorism.